Search Term Evaluation

Google is leveraging its vast utilization as a search based browser to aggregate data from searches to detect flu patterns. By tracking the use of key search terms that may be used by someone with the flu, Google aims to detect flu outbreaks, before they become outbreaks. Google also wants to find where they are coming from.

Interestingly, the tracker of key search terms has been similar to what was quantified by traditional flu activity indicators.

Research is needed in determining whether using flu-trackers can serve as an early warning system. If we can detect flu outbreaks in their earliest stages, then we can direct resources and interventions like vaccines or public alert campaigns to prevent the outbreak entirely.

“Big Data” Collection

Administered by the Boston Children’s Hospital in partnership with the American Public Health Association, this web-tool is for users to register and participate in weekly surveys to identify flu trends.

Currently there are over 40,000 users enrolled, with over 14,000 reporting symptoms.

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